Redknapp refutes Rafa rumours

Harry Redknapp has dismissed reports suggesting he could be prepared to part with Rafael van der Vaart.

Tottenham launched a late summer swoop for the Dutch midfielder last year, snapping him up in an £8million deadline day deal.

The Holland international settled quickly in English football and starred for Spurs during the first half of the season.

His standards have dipped as the campaign has gone on, with tiring legs having had an adverse effect on his influence at White Hart Lane.

It had been rumoured that he could be moved on less than a year after arriving in the Premier League, with Redknapp looking to generate funds for further new recruits.

The Spurs boss insists that is not the case, though, with Van der Vaart still very much part of his plans.

No truth

“There’s no truth that we want to part with him,” said Redknapp.

“He’s done great for us although he has tapered off after a hard season.”

Redknapp and Van der Vaart go to Manchester City on Tuesday looking to haul themselves back into the running for a top-four finish.

Spurs have slipped six points adrift of City with three games of the season remaining and Redknapp acknowledges that a second shot at the UEFA Champions League in as many seasons is looking increasingly unlikely.

“It will take a miracle to finish fourth,” he said.

“Roberto Mancini has got a fantastic squad. They’re in a great position. They are six points ahead of us and they have a better goal difference by miles.”